The code for iOS 8.1 appears to include a new Settings pane that allows users to manage credit and debit cards linked to Apple Pay, as well as defining a default card, billing and shipping address, email, and phone. There's also a privacy disclaimer, which explains that card and device information, including location, may be sent back to Apple.

Pay with iPad using Touch ID. With Apple Pay, you no longer need to type card numbers and shipping information.

It's long been rumored that the iPad would pick up Touch ID, and code like this adds a little support to the speculation. What's far more unclear is whether a future iPad might feature NFC or simply use Apple Pay for in-app purchases. Of course, this is all developer preview code, so it may not all actually turn into reality—apart from Apple Pay for iPhone, which we know is set to launch in October.

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It does, however, suggest—as 9to5mac has speculated—that Apple may break with the traditional iOS update schedule for iOS 8, where a big update rolls out, roughly, in the first quarter of each year. Instead, if 8.1 arrives with Apple Pay next month, Apple may be rolling out big updates more regularly. But that's speculation; let's wait see. [Mac Rumors]